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janane's reviews
81 reviews
The Devious Husband by Catharina Maura
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This book had, has & will always have my heart 🩷
Pick it up if you want to read perfect enemies to lovers story that might occupy a piece of your heart
When I picked up "The Wrong Bride", I had no clue what I was getting into. I randomly picked up & the rest is history. I have been in love with all the stories @catharinamaura has written in this series. And This one! This one, I'm struck with words to express the love I have for Sierra & Xavier.
This Book was EVERYTHING.
It has been more than two weeks since I finished reading this one, yesterday when I went through my highlights I was again hit with all those emotions I felt for the first time I read them. I devoured each & every single word of this book.
Sierra, I love you! I will always. From the moment I got to know you, I have admired you & yearned that you get everything you deserve. There are few characters you fall in love with immediately without any reason & root for them rite? Sierra is one such character for me 🫶🏻
Being the youngest of the Windsor & the most badass woman you are perfect in every way. And the way you care for the people you love makes you the best.
Xavier, for the way you have loved Sierra for all the years, you have my heart. An enigma of ruthless business man & vulnerable human you were everything Sierra needed & deserved.
Sierra & Xavier's relationship OMG! What can I say?
From their playful yet jealousy induced banters to heated stares & touches to being partners their story was Perfect! Absolute Perfect combination of love, laugh & spice.
And adding to this perfection this book had so many things that made my heart melt & sob. From seeing all the Windsor's happily everafter to them standing by Sierra whenever she needed to Gran's letters. It was bittersweet to see gran for the last time. She has always had my heart, seeing her go felt personal :/
I'm seriously going to miss this series. But I could not have asked anything better than this book as the end for this series.
And I really can't wait to see Catharina Maura's next works. Now whatever she writes I will read ♥️
Pick it up if you want to read perfect enemies to lovers story that might occupy a piece of your heart
When I picked up "The Wrong Bride", I had no clue what I was getting into. I randomly picked up & the rest is history. I have been in love with all the stories @catharinamaura has written in this series. And This one! This one, I'm struck with words to express the love I have for Sierra & Xavier.
This Book was EVERYTHING.
It has been more than two weeks since I finished reading this one, yesterday when I went through my highlights I was again hit with all those emotions I felt for the first time I read them. I devoured each & every single word of this book.
Sierra, I love you! I will always. From the moment I got to know you, I have admired you & yearned that you get everything you deserve. There are few characters you fall in love with immediately without any reason & root for them rite? Sierra is one such character for me 🫶🏻
Being the youngest of the Windsor & the most badass woman you are perfect in every way. And the way you care for the people you love makes you the best.
Xavier, for the way you have loved Sierra for all the years, you have my heart. An enigma of ruthless business man & vulnerable human you were everything Sierra needed & deserved.
Sierra & Xavier's relationship OMG! What can I say?
From their playful yet jealousy induced banters to heated stares & touches to being partners their story was Perfect! Absolute Perfect combination of love, laugh & spice.
And adding to this perfection this book had so many things that made my heart melt & sob. From seeing all the Windsor's happily everafter to them standing by Sierra whenever she needed to Gran's letters. It was bittersweet to see gran for the last time. She has always had my heart, seeing her go felt personal :/
I'm seriously going to miss this series. But I could not have asked anything better than this book as the end for this series.
And I really can't wait to see Catharina Maura's next works. Now whatever she writes I will read ♥️
Luv Shuv In New York by N.M. Patel
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A story that has a perfect blend of romance & desi drama with sweet, spicy & emotional moments.
Pick it if you want to read a fun & emotional combination of desi & american romance
If you are following me you might have come across how I got to read this book. I kind of went in with half minded; I really didn’t want to be disappointed but when I read the author’s acknowledgment page only, I cried. I knew at that moment that she just had a way with her words that hit me home.
Akira is introduced as the ever-determined Indian woman who has big dreams & overcomes her own struggles to pursue them. As I look around me, I can point out a few Akira’s which made her extra special. Her passion & optimistic nature radiates through the pages, yet when she struggles to keep her promise to her parents or when she was put in place to choose, the agony she went through just made her so real & so relatable in a way.
Sam the introverted & just focuses on the things that is important to him decides to go fall for an Indian girl. I guess that is the irony of life. I bet he never had any clue the drama & emotional ride he was getting into. But the way he handled everything from respecting akira’s wishes to being afraid of losing her to being persistent; He was a dream. An absolute dream ♥️
Akira & Sam's relationship starts off with being strangers to classmates to friends to being there for each other. They had this beautiful friendship that grew into love, which I adored. The way Sam tried to understand Akira's way of upbringing & the perspective she had on a few things, he was considerate that gave the space for Akira to fall in love with him.
The fun moments they had were the highlights but the emotional rollercoaster both of them went through to work out their relationship had my heart. Which was painful but made their story beautiful in a way 🫶🏻
Akira's family was the perfect typical Indian family, I ended up relating with them a whole lot more. From Akira's father's fear to her cousins supporting her to those breakfast & kitchen scenes everything was written in a way it felt like home.
#bookreview
Pick it if you want to read a fun & emotional combination of desi & american romance
If you are following me you might have come across how I got to read this book. I kind of went in with half minded; I really didn’t want to be disappointed but when I read the author’s acknowledgment page only, I cried. I knew at that moment that she just had a way with her words that hit me home.
Akira is introduced as the ever-determined Indian woman who has big dreams & overcomes her own struggles to pursue them. As I look around me, I can point out a few Akira’s which made her extra special. Her passion & optimistic nature radiates through the pages, yet when she struggles to keep her promise to her parents or when she was put in place to choose, the agony she went through just made her so real & so relatable in a way.
Sam the introverted & just focuses on the things that is important to him decides to go fall for an Indian girl. I guess that is the irony of life. I bet he never had any clue the drama & emotional ride he was getting into. But the way he handled everything from respecting akira’s wishes to being afraid of losing her to being persistent; He was a dream. An absolute dream ♥️
Akira & Sam's relationship starts off with being strangers to classmates to friends to being there for each other. They had this beautiful friendship that grew into love, which I adored. The way Sam tried to understand Akira's way of upbringing & the perspective she had on a few things, he was considerate that gave the space for Akira to fall in love with him.
The fun moments they had were the highlights but the emotional rollercoaster both of them went through to work out their relationship had my heart. Which was painful but made their story beautiful in a way 🫶🏻
Akira's family was the perfect typical Indian family, I ended up relating with them a whole lot more. From Akira's father's fear to her cousins supporting her to those breakfast & kitchen scenes everything was written in a way it felt like home.
#bookreview
Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A story about two people who understand each other's vulnerabilities & emotions without words being spoken ♥️
Do you want to read heart warming small town romance that will put you into detective mode?
Pick up @catherinecowlesauthor books. They never disappoint. I randomly picked up whispers of you by her long back and fell in love with her story & writing. From then on I have tried to read her other books.
Now here, I'm reading an ARC of her book. How real can this get :)
Thea is one of the strongest FMC I have read. I don't know why but the way she has written I was able to feel Thea's pain & fear through the pages. I was even crying at one point. The way I feel for her, I just want to hug her & tell her how proud I'm of her and just I'm here for her if she needs anything (I know it's fiction but I felt real attachment with Thea's character)
Oh! Shep he is that guy who puts everyone ahead of him just because he stupidly thinks he doesn't deserve the love he gets. But he deserves all the unconditional love just for being him; for the pain & responsibility he carries. I adored him throughout the book.
Thea & Shep's relationship is one of the most mature relationships I have ever read. And I can't stop talking about the way it progresses; considering all the circumstances thea has been in.
From Shep being patient to Thea slowly opening up to them falling for each other in the most magical way possible. The moments they were jealous to the moments they got lost in each other; everything about their relationship was beauty 💙
The story is written beautifully with tender emotions that hits you in a way that will make you feel. And the mystery part of it obviously I was again not able to guess it correctly. (One day I'm going to get there for her books) I don't know how she does it :p
The found family of this book literally has my heart.They way they have each other's back to the way they pull each other; I loved every second reading about them.
And of course how can I miss Lolli! She just cracks me up whenever she is in the pages.
I can't wait to read Broken Harbor
Do you want to read heart warming small town romance that will put you into detective mode?
Pick up @catherinecowlesauthor books. They never disappoint. I randomly picked up whispers of you by her long back and fell in love with her story & writing. From then on I have tried to read her other books.
Now here, I'm reading an ARC of her book. How real can this get :)
Thea is one of the strongest FMC I have read. I don't know why but the way she has written I was able to feel Thea's pain & fear through the pages. I was even crying at one point. The way I feel for her, I just want to hug her & tell her how proud I'm of her and just I'm here for her if she needs anything (I know it's fiction but I felt real attachment with Thea's character)
Oh! Shep he is that guy who puts everyone ahead of him just because he stupidly thinks he doesn't deserve the love he gets. But he deserves all the unconditional love just for being him; for the pain & responsibility he carries. I adored him throughout the book.
Thea & Shep's relationship is one of the most mature relationships I have ever read. And I can't stop talking about the way it progresses; considering all the circumstances thea has been in.
From Shep being patient to Thea slowly opening up to them falling for each other in the most magical way possible. The moments they were jealous to the moments they got lost in each other; everything about their relationship was beauty 💙
The story is written beautifully with tender emotions that hits you in a way that will make you feel. And the mystery part of it obviously I was again not able to guess it correctly. (One day I'm going to get there for her books) I don't know how she does it :p
The found family of this book literally has my heart.They way they have each other's back to the way they pull each other; I loved every second reading about them.
And of course how can I miss Lolli! She just cracks me up whenever she is in the pages.
I can't wait to read Broken Harbor
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A story about three sisters by bond, their foster mother & a body discovered in the home they grew up in; with brilliant writing & unexpected twists.
Pick it up if you want to read a bond of sisterhood that withstands everything + foster care struggles + twisted characters that will make you rethink whatever you might have read.
I remember reading “The good sister” by Sally Hepworth last year and loved it; I have been wanting to read her books from then on. But unfortunately, I was not able to get around until now. I badly wanted to read The Soulmate by her, but I got this book available before that, so I read the synopsis; it seemed interesting enough so I picked it up. And I’m glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, with a perfect blend of flawed & twisted characters and writing that keeps you hooked to the pages; this page turner book is a definite win when it comes to the suspense genre.
Jessica, portrayed as the elder sister with the need to be perfect all the time & carries the responsibility to protect her sisters. She is also someone who longs for validation like any of us; her longing stems from the fact she has been in a foster home since infancy. She just needs attention, love & validation. The way she craves for these has shaped her personality & her relationships. And that just might be the downfall for her & her sisters.
Norah, the ever-hot-headed second sister. Who does what she thinks & really doesn’t care about anything & has her own way of showing the world how strong she is. She comes as the short tempered & lashing out; but as the story progresses, we get to see her being levelheaded – when needed & just longing for some form of love.
Alice, she dreams about living life, but afraid of the consequence she would be bringing in; she never starts to live the way she wants to. And at a point she starts running in the opposite direction even when the chance at love is in front of her & knocks the door. The portrayal of her vulnerability was so real, it somehow hit me more than others.
Jessica, Norah & Alice meet each other at different stages of their childhood through foster care & form a bond of sisterhood for a lifetime. So how did they form such a strong bond & can it withstand when secrets & body buried resurface again.
The story is told in two alternate timelines; past that takes such through how they came into foster care, the struggles they faced & how they survived despite everything. And present how they are living their lives on the foundation of how they were brought up.
The writing is powerful enough that kept me hooked to the page & the characters anchored me to the story. The combination of these two made this book a great suspense read.
I'm definitely going to read more of Sally Hepworth books.I feel she just has way with writing that makes the story more real & emotional.
Pick it up if you want to read a bond of sisterhood that withstands everything + foster care struggles + twisted characters that will make you rethink whatever you might have read.
I remember reading “The good sister” by Sally Hepworth last year and loved it; I have been wanting to read her books from then on. But unfortunately, I was not able to get around until now. I badly wanted to read The Soulmate by her, but I got this book available before that, so I read the synopsis; it seemed interesting enough so I picked it up. And I’m glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, with a perfect blend of flawed & twisted characters and writing that keeps you hooked to the pages; this page turner book is a definite win when it comes to the suspense genre.
Jessica, portrayed as the elder sister with the need to be perfect all the time & carries the responsibility to protect her sisters. She is also someone who longs for validation like any of us; her longing stems from the fact she has been in a foster home since infancy. She just needs attention, love & validation. The way she craves for these has shaped her personality & her relationships. And that just might be the downfall for her & her sisters.
Norah, the ever-hot-headed second sister. Who does what she thinks & really doesn’t care about anything & has her own way of showing the world how strong she is. She comes as the short tempered & lashing out; but as the story progresses, we get to see her being levelheaded – when needed & just longing for some form of love.
Alice, she dreams about living life, but afraid of the consequence she would be bringing in; she never starts to live the way she wants to. And at a point she starts running in the opposite direction even when the chance at love is in front of her & knocks the door. The portrayal of her vulnerability was so real, it somehow hit me more than others.
Jessica, Norah & Alice meet each other at different stages of their childhood through foster care & form a bond of sisterhood for a lifetime. So how did they form such a strong bond & can it withstand when secrets & body buried resurface again.
The story is told in two alternate timelines; past that takes such through how they came into foster care, the struggles they faced & how they survived despite everything. And present how they are living their lives on the foundation of how they were brought up.
The writing is powerful enough that kept me hooked to the page & the characters anchored me to the story. The combination of these two made this book a great suspense read.
I'm definitely going to read more of Sally Hepworth books.I feel she just has way with writing that makes the story more real & emotional.
The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
A strong willed woman puts her detective hats on to free an innocent in the process trying to claw her way out of social stereotypes.
Pick it if you want to read detective in a saree trying to solve a mystery; set in 1920s
I picked this book as I saw it being recommended as one of the best mystery Indian books that has a woman detective in her full on witty form solving the case. I love when a woman becomes the detective using here skills & awes the readers with her perspectives.
So I kind of had few expectations going in. So I was kind of disappointed when the book as a whole didn't turn out to be as good as I wanted it to .
Now on to the story, Kaveri the protagonist of the book married off at fifteen; continues her studies for three years then comes to Bangalore to live with her husband. She also has a great interest in maths; and studying in secret to give her exams to pursue a degree. She was portrayed as the Indian woman of the 1920s from being subjected to all the household chores to being underestimated.
Kaveri as a character grows on you. The way she is stubborn enough in her opinions to take that extra step amidst all the social ideologies she was conditioned to. I personally cherished the moments she becomes the woman she wants to 🫶🏻
Ramu the educated doctor & husband of Kaveri, is compassionate & understands & stands by her throughout all the things that happen. Considering the story happens in the 1920s that kind of seems like a big deal.
A party at a club attended by doctors & their families turns into a murder scene. Kaveri sees some things so she gets curious & starts her sleuthing. They start from a point & get webbed into small clues here & there some panning out some exposing secrets hidden by others.
Though it seemed like it was going somewhere but I found it really hard to keep going. It missed the hook factor which was the one thing books like this supposed to have. And with a book this slow paced. I was losing my mind half way through thinking why I wanted to pick this one. But anyhow I finished it.
Pick it if you want to read detective in a saree trying to solve a mystery; set in 1920s
I picked this book as I saw it being recommended as one of the best mystery Indian books that has a woman detective in her full on witty form solving the case. I love when a woman becomes the detective using here skills & awes the readers with her perspectives.
So I kind of had few expectations going in. So I was kind of disappointed when the book as a whole didn't turn out to be as good as I wanted it to .
Now on to the story, Kaveri the protagonist of the book married off at fifteen; continues her studies for three years then comes to Bangalore to live with her husband. She also has a great interest in maths; and studying in secret to give her exams to pursue a degree. She was portrayed as the Indian woman of the 1920s from being subjected to all the household chores to being underestimated.
Kaveri as a character grows on you. The way she is stubborn enough in her opinions to take that extra step amidst all the social ideologies she was conditioned to. I personally cherished the moments she becomes the woman she wants to 🫶🏻
Ramu the educated doctor & husband of Kaveri, is compassionate & understands & stands by her throughout all the things that happen. Considering the story happens in the 1920s that kind of seems like a big deal.
A party at a club attended by doctors & their families turns into a murder scene. Kaveri sees some things so she gets curious & starts her sleuthing. They start from a point & get webbed into small clues here & there some panning out some exposing secrets hidden by others.
Though it seemed like it was going somewhere but I found it really hard to keep going. It missed the hook factor which was the one thing books like this supposed to have. And with a book this slow paced. I was losing my mind half way through thinking why I wanted to pick this one. But anyhow I finished it.
Play Along by Liz Tomforde
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK 💜
Pick it up if you want to read one of the best romance books :)
You see there are few books I love with all my heart & soul. Like I probably might have started talking about them the moment they were announced & would have died to read that book asap. Like I somehow knew in my heart "This one is going to do something to me". You get it rite? 🙈
Falling in love with Isaiah is so easy. From the moment I got to know him in "caught up", I have wanted to read his story. He is that guy who just gives so much. At times he feels so unreal. Like How? How can you love & care for someone so much and literally wait for them (hoping they would some day).
And how can one manifest for a real life Isaiah (tips please)
Kennedy was the strong woman trying to make through in another male dominated industry with her own self doubts. The way she was brought was so cruel, my heart just cried out whenever she experienced those small simple moments for the first time. She comes with a hard shield around her always but the moments that crack them down are so beautiful & wholesome.
I'm not sure how to put in words the love I have for Isaiah & Kennedy as a couple. From his one side pinning to her failed engagement to them finding each other getting drunkenly married to faking as a married couple to being each other's support system. Everything about them either made me scream, laugh, giggle, cry & my heart was bursting out with happiness throughout the book (no I'm not exaggerating)
I was literally having butterflies also! And they were fluttering; reading Isaiah & Kennedy fights, banter, love, longing & all the dirty & sweet talks :p
And of course how could I not love a book with Monty. I just cry whenever he says something. He is one of the book dads I'm gonna to love forever.
I loved seeing the gang. Reading about your favourite couple's happily ever afters in some other book in the same universe makes me all fuzzy & warm inside.
@liztomforde.author I'm excited to read Rio's book next. But please, pretty please can we get a book for Reese & book for Dean too.
Pick it up if you want to read one of the best romance books :)
You see there are few books I love with all my heart & soul. Like I probably might have started talking about them the moment they were announced & would have died to read that book asap. Like I somehow knew in my heart "This one is going to do something to me". You get it rite? 🙈
Falling in love with Isaiah is so easy. From the moment I got to know him in "caught up", I have wanted to read his story. He is that guy who just gives so much. At times he feels so unreal. Like How? How can you love & care for someone so much and literally wait for them (hoping they would some day).
And how can one manifest for a real life Isaiah (tips please)
Kennedy was the strong woman trying to make through in another male dominated industry with her own self doubts. The way she was brought was so cruel, my heart just cried out whenever she experienced those small simple moments for the first time. She comes with a hard shield around her always but the moments that crack them down are so beautiful & wholesome.
I'm not sure how to put in words the love I have for Isaiah & Kennedy as a couple. From his one side pinning to her failed engagement to them finding each other getting drunkenly married to faking as a married couple to being each other's support system. Everything about them either made me scream, laugh, giggle, cry & my heart was bursting out with happiness throughout the book (no I'm not exaggerating)
I was literally having butterflies also! And they were fluttering; reading Isaiah & Kennedy fights, banter, love, longing & all the dirty & sweet talks :p
And of course how could I not love a book with Monty. I just cry whenever he says something. He is one of the book dads I'm gonna to love forever.
I loved seeing the gang. Reading about your favourite couple's happily ever afters in some other book in the same universe makes me all fuzzy & warm inside.
@liztomforde.author I'm excited to read Rio's book next. But please, pretty please can we get a book for Reese & book for Dean too.
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A random encounter with a not so random stranger in the airport bar triggers a discovery of murders & lies.
Pick it up if you want to read a simple story with powerful writing & twisty characters.
This is one of the books that I have wanted to read for so long. I have seen only good things about the book. So obviously my expectation was kind of sky high. And the whole time I was reading I was on the look out for the X factor of why this book is so good & unfortunately I didn't get that.
So I was actually confused & I accidentally stumbled upon this book's release year. Then I understood what the problem was I have read books with similar characters & story lines that have delivered more powerful messages than this one. And honestly I have loved them. And those books were mostly that came after this one so maybe this book was an inspiration for those ones. So since I have got a taste of that I was not able to fully appreciate this one.
But honestly in terms of characters, writing & pacing this book is perfect. For that alone I would definitely give the next book in this series a read.
Now coming to the story, for me personally the protagonists like Lily Kinter are a dream come true. They just give a chance to live a life of impossibilities through the pages.
Lily striking a conversation with Ted Severson, a successful businessman & a husband that just found out his wife is cheating with his contractor; leads to him spilling his uninhibited thoughts of wanting to kill his wife. With a person like Lily by side, what can happen to those thoughts forms the rest of the story.
The book is divided into four parts with multiple POVs that take us through Lily's past & her connection to the characters of the present. It just kept me hooked & guessing with different questions throughout the book. Definitely a page turner in that regard. And I also felt something, a kind of subtleness. Somehow that brought certain calmness to a book like this.
As for the author, I'm going to read another book before coming to the conclusion of whether I want to keep reading his books or not.
Pick it up if you want to read a simple story with powerful writing & twisty characters.
This is one of the books that I have wanted to read for so long. I have seen only good things about the book. So obviously my expectation was kind of sky high. And the whole time I was reading I was on the look out for the X factor of why this book is so good & unfortunately I didn't get that.
So I was actually confused & I accidentally stumbled upon this book's release year. Then I understood what the problem was I have read books with similar characters & story lines that have delivered more powerful messages than this one. And honestly I have loved them. And those books were mostly that came after this one so maybe this book was an inspiration for those ones. So since I have got a taste of that I was not able to fully appreciate this one.
But honestly in terms of characters, writing & pacing this book is perfect. For that alone I would definitely give the next book in this series a read.
Now coming to the story, for me personally the protagonists like Lily Kinter are a dream come true. They just give a chance to live a life of impossibilities through the pages.
Lily striking a conversation with Ted Severson, a successful businessman & a husband that just found out his wife is cheating with his contractor; leads to him spilling his uninhibited thoughts of wanting to kill his wife. With a person like Lily by side, what can happen to those thoughts forms the rest of the story.
The book is divided into four parts with multiple POVs that take us through Lily's past & her connection to the characters of the present. It just kept me hooked & guessing with different questions throughout the book. Definitely a page turner in that regard. And I also felt something, a kind of subtleness. Somehow that brought certain calmness to a book like this.
As for the author, I'm going to read another book before coming to the conclusion of whether I want to keep reading his books or not.
The Rules of Playing with Fire by Varsha Chitnis
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Sona & Mihir's story of intense lust to finding forever love, with a perfect amount of drama, banter & spice.
Pick it up if you want to read a book that will make you fall in love with all the characters.
This book is like that unexpected person that comes into life when you don't want to. Irrespective of that, they come & give you happy memories, makes you cry & leaves you with a warm feeling. I didn't know the author or this book in progress two months back but I'm happy to have discovered this through @swipethebook.pr
I read the synopsis & thought it seemed like my kind romance book read & has a touch of desi culture in it. Okay, let me sign for ARC, honestly that was my thoughts at first. But definitely I was not ready for the emotional rollercoaster this book put me through.
Sona, like her name just glitters with her presence wherever she is. Be it when she talks passionately about her work to her valuing her happiness & knowing her self worth. She bold & yet her moments of vulnerability just made me relate with her more.
Mihir, The confident & ruthless business man who is also an absolute sweetheart. He just screamed charming & handsome. I just loved him for taking the first steps & yet giving sona the space needed for her to accept what was between them.
Mihir & Sona were perfect for each other. From calling each other out to endless arguments on stupid things to literally not being able to keep their hands off each other. They were fire, burning bright & hot. I adored their cute moments of intimacy that just actually gave me butterflies.
I felt their relationship was also balanced; at the start from Mihir understanding & taking efforts when Sona was in denial to her standing by his side at the end.
This book is also so much more than their story. Apart from portraying strong FMC, it has women characters that just inspired me. This book also shines its light on social issues from different perspectives. It is so blended into the story you will feel the emotions hitting you.
For writing the parents of this book @varshachitnis deserves a special shoutout.
Pick it up if you want to read a book that will make you fall in love with all the characters.
This book is like that unexpected person that comes into life when you don't want to. Irrespective of that, they come & give you happy memories, makes you cry & leaves you with a warm feeling. I didn't know the author or this book in progress two months back but I'm happy to have discovered this through @swipethebook.pr
I read the synopsis & thought it seemed like my kind romance book read & has a touch of desi culture in it. Okay, let me sign for ARC, honestly that was my thoughts at first. But definitely I was not ready for the emotional rollercoaster this book put me through.
Sona, like her name just glitters with her presence wherever she is. Be it when she talks passionately about her work to her valuing her happiness & knowing her self worth. She bold & yet her moments of vulnerability just made me relate with her more.
Mihir, The confident & ruthless business man who is also an absolute sweetheart. He just screamed charming & handsome. I just loved him for taking the first steps & yet giving sona the space needed for her to accept what was between them.
Mihir & Sona were perfect for each other. From calling each other out to endless arguments on stupid things to literally not being able to keep their hands off each other. They were fire, burning bright & hot. I adored their cute moments of intimacy that just actually gave me butterflies.
I felt their relationship was also balanced; at the start from Mihir understanding & taking efforts when Sona was in denial to her standing by his side at the end.
This book is also so much more than their story. Apart from portraying strong FMC, it has women characters that just inspired me. This book also shines its light on social issues from different perspectives. It is so blended into the story you will feel the emotions hitting you.
For writing the parents of this book @varshachitnis deserves a special shoutout.
Savor It by Tarah DeWitt
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is one of the books that makes your heart so full & strangely calm with the characters & story ♥️
Pick it if you want to read a small town romance that teaches you few life lessons with its story & writing.
I came across this book review by one the bookinsta I follow. So I went ahead & read the blurb it seemed my kind read so I picked it up. Though fake dating tropes are one of my favourite ones to read I felt this book somehow didn't meet my expectations of that.
Other than that this book stands out for so many reasons. And gave me a different experience in reading than the usual romance books.
Sage Byrd is someone who is strong & delicate in her own ways. The way she carries herself somehow makes you fall for her more. And the way she cares about the people around her & supports them in their own way just brought so much love into the pages. Her whole life in spunes seems like a dream come true!
"Something tells me I couldn't have you pegged in a decade, let alone a few days, Sage. But even I can tell that you're vast"
Fisher after losing a michelle star; along with Indy his sister's daughter lands in a small town with a community of people who support & care for each other. His goal was simple to help with the new restaurant running & go back to new york in two months. But summer & spunes had other plans for him.
"Keep letting me in that mind. You make it look like it's a fun place to be"
Sage & Fisher's relationship is slow & has its own beautiful moments. From sage being the friendly neighbor to fisher rescuing her from her ex's awkward interaction to preparing for a town legacy competition & sharing intimate moments.
They just found each other to fit perfectly in each other's missing puzzle pieces ♥️
I loved Indy, with her vulnerabilities as a teenager & trying to cope with her mom's death & to finally trying to understand what life is about she was one of the best written characters.
This book is a beautifully written book I have ever read for that alone I would recommend this.
Pick it if you want to read a small town romance that teaches you few life lessons with its story & writing.
I came across this book review by one the bookinsta I follow. So I went ahead & read the blurb it seemed my kind read so I picked it up. Though fake dating tropes are one of my favourite ones to read I felt this book somehow didn't meet my expectations of that.
Other than that this book stands out for so many reasons. And gave me a different experience in reading than the usual romance books.
Sage Byrd is someone who is strong & delicate in her own ways. The way she carries herself somehow makes you fall for her more. And the way she cares about the people around her & supports them in their own way just brought so much love into the pages. Her whole life in spunes seems like a dream come true!
"Something tells me I couldn't have you pegged in a decade, let alone a few days, Sage. But even I can tell that you're vast"
Fisher after losing a michelle star; along with Indy his sister's daughter lands in a small town with a community of people who support & care for each other. His goal was simple to help with the new restaurant running & go back to new york in two months. But summer & spunes had other plans for him.
"Keep letting me in that mind. You make it look like it's a fun place to be"
Sage & Fisher's relationship is slow & has its own beautiful moments. From sage being the friendly neighbor to fisher rescuing her from her ex's awkward interaction to preparing for a town legacy competition & sharing intimate moments.
They just found each other to fit perfectly in each other's missing puzzle pieces ♥️
I loved Indy, with her vulnerabilities as a teenager & trying to cope with her mom's death & to finally trying to understand what life is about she was one of the best written characters.
This book is a beautifully written book I have ever read for that alone I would recommend this.
The Ex by Freida McFadden
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A story of inter-connected Exes & people; set in the background of New York with a pinch of mystery & clever writing.
Pick it up if you want to read a simple mystery book & a fan of Frieda McFadden's writing.
I just crossed off another one of my Frieda McFadden TBR books with this one. I read the synopsis but really didn't have any expectations going in. It seemed like a story of revenge & love. And it was. It was a pretty good read. But not maybe the best of hers but definitely with her words she has yet again managed to keep me hooked to the book.
Thriller books might not be comfort book for many but for me Frieda McFadden books are kind of comfort book. Though it might be a simple story or maybe with complicated characters or with great twist; whatever it maybe I always enjoy reading her books.
This one is a story of a Ex who ends up stalking the current girlfriend of the MMC, intertwined with a close knitted couple friends group & trueove references from wuthering heights.
Joel wanting to buy a book for his mother meets Cassie in her old bookstore which she inherited from her grandparents & struggling to keep it afloat. Zoe, Cassie's friend & employer plays matchmaker & they both end up going on a date.
Their relationship progresses & at the same time someone is stalking cassie & threatening her. And slowly she gets introduced to his friends group & since they know his ex; the frequent comparison to her starts which obviously makes her insecure & afraid. And Cassie has a secret of her own.
Who is stalking her?
What is she hiding?
Forms the remaining part of the story!
The story alternates between two POVs i.e., The new girl & The Ex. With such different timelines generally it takes time to get a hold of the story but surprisingly this was easy enough on track with what was happening but when that one twist is revealed I just had moment where I went back to realise everything in different perspective. It might not have been a great twist but it does the job of being enough for a decent ending.
Combined with her writing it was really a good read.
Pick it up if you want to read a simple mystery book & a fan of Frieda McFadden's writing.
I just crossed off another one of my Frieda McFadden TBR books with this one. I read the synopsis but really didn't have any expectations going in. It seemed like a story of revenge & love. And it was. It was a pretty good read. But not maybe the best of hers but definitely with her words she has yet again managed to keep me hooked to the book.
Thriller books might not be comfort book for many but for me Frieda McFadden books are kind of comfort book. Though it might be a simple story or maybe with complicated characters or with great twist; whatever it maybe I always enjoy reading her books.
This one is a story of a Ex who ends up stalking the current girlfriend of the MMC, intertwined with a close knitted couple friends group & trueove references from wuthering heights.
Joel wanting to buy a book for his mother meets Cassie in her old bookstore which she inherited from her grandparents & struggling to keep it afloat. Zoe, Cassie's friend & employer plays matchmaker & they both end up going on a date.
Their relationship progresses & at the same time someone is stalking cassie & threatening her. And slowly she gets introduced to his friends group & since they know his ex; the frequent comparison to her starts which obviously makes her insecure & afraid. And Cassie has a secret of her own.
Who is stalking her?
What is she hiding?
Forms the remaining part of the story!
The story alternates between two POVs i.e., The new girl & The Ex. With such different timelines generally it takes time to get a hold of the story but surprisingly this was easy enough on track with what was happening but when that one twist is revealed I just had moment where I went back to realise everything in different perspective. It might not have been a great twist but it does the job of being enough for a decent ending.
Combined with her writing it was really a good read.